Overview & Reviews

Land Rover SUVs are the first choice of England's royals when the need arises for a vehicle gutsy enough to tackle rocks and mud. It's no wonder; in addition to their go-anywhere bravado, Land Rovers offer a uniquely British brand of elegance that feels supremely upper-crust. The Land Rover Discovery, offered in Europe a few years before coming to North America, was created to serve as a bridge between the manufacturer's utilitarian Defender and prestigious Range Rover models.

Unlike today's family-friendly crossovers, the Land Rover Discovery was an old-school luxury SUV that was at its best when pitted against treacherous ravines and vertiginous mountain paths. On-road performance clearly wasn't the primary focus, though on later models, Land Rover made more of an effort to strike a balance between trail-busting capacity and boulevard comfort.

In certain aspects concerning versatility, interior ergonomics and safety, the Land Rover lagged behind its peers. Cargo space was limited, and side airbags and stability control weren't available. Then there was the issue of reliability. Land Rovers of years gone by had a notoriously intimate relationship with repair shops, and the Discovery was no exception. More recent models, though, showed some improvement in this area.

Legendary off-road capabilities and a high level of luxury are the Discovery Series II's best points. But in our opinion, both are overshadowed by the vehicle's faults. Most buyers will probably be better served by competing Japanese or domestic luxury SUVs.

Most recent Land Rover Discovery

The Land Rover Discovery was a two-generation vehicle, and its most recent generation was built from 1999 until the SUV's demise in 2004. (The Land Rover LR3 took its place in the lineup.) Between model years 2000 and 2002, the Discovery was known as the Discovery Series II.

This generation saw a dizzying flurry of trim changes. In 1999, the Discovery was available in two versions: the outgoing generation called the SD and the new Series II. In 2000, the old one was dropped. Model-year 2001 saw another revision; the Discovery Series II could be had in SD, LE and SE models. The LE trim level was dropped in 2002. In 2003, the SUV once again became known simply as the Discovery, and from that point on it was available in base S, SE and top-of-the-line HSE trim levels.

Base-model Discovery models from this generation weren't light on luxury features, offering standard amenities like a CD player, power-adjustable front seats and dual-zone climate control. The nimble Land Rover was also ready to roam the great outdoors, thanks to permanent four-wheel drive, plenty of ground clearance and Hill Descent Control. Active Cornering Enhancement, a hydraulic suspension system that reduces vehicle body lean during cornering, was available, as were a self-leveling rear suspension and third-row seats.

Initially, two 4.0-liter V8s were available, one good for 182 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque, and the other for 188 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. In 2000, the less-muscular V8 was dropped from the lineup. Model-year 2003 saw the introduction of a more potent 4.6-liter V8 good for 217 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. This engine was used to power all Discoverys until the model's retirement. This Land Rover wasn't known for stellar fuel economy. Discoverys powered by the 4.6-liter got a paltry 12 mpg in the city and 16 in highway travel.

Engine changes weren't the only ones experienced by the Land Rover Discovery during these five years. In 2000, the SUV benefited from minor interior upgrades. In 2002, new alloys were added, along with a standard Harman Kardon sound system. The Discovery got revised styling and interior treatments for 2003, and improvements were also made to its steering, brakes and suspension. By 2004, the options list had grown to include a navigation system, rear-seat DVD entertainment system and rear parking sensors.

Top-notch interior materials were the order of the day in the Discovery's cabin. There was ample head- and legroom, but the SUV's narrow proportions resulted in scarce shoulder- and hiproom. Additionally, this Land Rover's cramped doorways and tall stance made entry and exit somewhat of a challenge.

In editorial reviews, the Land Rover Discovery scored high marks for its off-road performance. On pavement, it was plagued by sluggish steering and an overly harsh ride. Ride quality saw some improvement after 2003's refresh, so opt for a 2003 or 2004 model to get a Discovery offering the most competence in this area. Finding a well-maintained and -documented model is probably wise given the Disco's less-than-exemplary reputation for reliability and durability.

Past Land Rover Discoverys

The Land Rover Discovery's first generation lasted from 1994-'99. Standard features included full power accessories, keyless entry and cruise control. A third-row seat and, eventually, a CD player were offered as options. Early Discoverys got their juice from a 3.9-liter V8 good for 182 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. This engine was replaced by a 4.0-liter V8 in 1996, offering slightly more torque (233 lb-ft) and improved fuel economy. In 1997, the Discovery's interior was upgraded to include burled walnut trim.

Even more so than later models, Discoverys from this generation were prone to reliability issues; on-road ride quality was also quite unforgiving. Given these factors, we'd recommend that those in the used market place their money with one of the SUV's more amenable Japanese competitors. If you're determined to get a first-gen Discovery, opt for the 1996 and '97 versions, with their more frugal engines.

User Reviews:

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  Its a car you will hate to love - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By Bryce - February 4 - 8:36 am

  This is my second Land Rover Discovery. My first was a 2000. It caught on fire on the freeway. What else do I need to say about that. I was stupid and bought a 2004 model in May 2008. Okay I know its now 4 years old now, but its only got 46,000 miles which I thought was pretty good. I cant drive it without lights turning on every second and a dinging noise going off all day. Driving it will remind you of Vegas. My check engine light wont go off because of the gas cap either. Its funny how they use Land Rovers in Jamaica for off road safaris from 1985 but my 2004 cant make it to the store. If you are thinking about a Land Rover just dont do it. Go buy an Acura.

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  absoloutely wonderful - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By loooooove it - January 12 - 3:46 am

  After doing much research on which vehicle I should get for my 16 year old I finally decided on a landrover discovery. I found one at a wonderful price and its still running strong after 120,000 miles. Regardless of what the other reviews say it is a very reliable vehicle... Those that have repairs all the time just dont know how to take care of a vehicle. My son loves the double sunroofs and the ability to haul his friends around town. This is a wonderful vehicle for any teen.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By spider348 - December 22 - 6:20 am

  This is my third Disco and I am very pleased. Much better then the 2002 I had. Tighter turn radius and more power are the most notable pluses. Everyone likes to bash the fuel mileage - I just averaged 18 mpg on my last tank mixed city and highway. The trick is, dont drive it like a sports car (just take it easy use a light foot - it will coast on its own momentum a lot of the time) and remember - it has a big 4.6L V8 and it is heavy ! As for reliability, learn what to look for in these vehicles and have the usual suspects addressed before you buy. 200k+ miles and I have never been stranded.

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  One year review - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By atownrox - December 20 - 7:56 am

  I wanted to wait a full year and put some miles (18k) on this vehicle before rating it. Id definitely buy the Rover again. Looked at the ML, Toureg, Cayenne, and Rover. The Porsche was excellent but priced itself out for me. The VW was a close second but was still $5K or so more than a similarly equipped Rover. Dealer service is fantastic and has a fleet of Disco loaners. Well see what happens but its all good now.

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  Consumer SUV lover - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Jhomefinder - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Great midsize vehicle-fun to drive, nice to look at. Third row seats are a snap to use and to pur away. Only complaints are poor stereo sound quality, poor placement of CD changer (under passenger seat) and poor gas milage. Plus, I think they could do something a little different with exterior design, but overall a fun and stylish vehicle!

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  Discovery - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By jamesa30 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I havent had the truck too long, but it is fun to drive.

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  Stay Away - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By rockyroad - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Overall quality very poor for the price and fuel economy worse than 12- 16...DO NOT BUY THIS

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  best suv i have owned - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By debra kelley - September 13 - 10:00 am

  this is the absolute top in suvs. i drove it cross country, through rain and snow. rides like a car and handles superbly. no leaning on exit ramps like the other suvs. seat comfort is also superb. never had to readjust seat the entire trip. also towed a 3, 500 lb boat plus trailer with no problem. looking foward to my next road trip with it, south this time. highly recomned! i have owned, gmcs fords and dodge. none can compare.

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  Awesome Presence - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Chipawa - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Finally picked up the Disco! 03SE7- Zambezi/Alpaca. I agonized while considering and driving everything that may even be remote competetion. I believe this vehicle is the best in its class. It is also the lowest priced SUV that qualifies for SEC179 IRS tax code. Quality/fit/finish look great. Gas mileage is what I expected. I can write it off anyway. although due to great pricing you see more on the road, the Disco still has more presence and exclusivity than the others, I like to be different. Ill report periodically with updates

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  Worth it sometimes - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By flgator - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Plenty fun to drive off-road, but dont expect a quiet ride. Gas mileage is abysmal, but you come to expect that from a powerful tower. I just cant figure why they cant boost it to something similar to the Toyota 4Runner (16/20). Turning radius is awful, but the engineer in me suspects thats artificially governed, so the reckless among us dont make quick, sharp turns and end up on our sides in a ditch. Powers great, and the vehicle looks unlike anything else out there. What used to look utilitarian now has an edge of bling to it. The interior is fine until you see some of the competitors - then you notice they need to get on the proverbial ball.